Azovas 8 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

AZOVAS 8 MG TABLET

AZOVAS 8 MG TABLET is a medication primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This action helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: AZOVAS 8 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Azelnidipine

• Composition:

  • Each uncoated tablet contains Azelnidipine IP 8 mg.

• Uses: AZOVAS 8 MG TABLET is prescribed for:

  • Management of high blood pressure (hypertension), including essential hypertension, Stage I and Stage II hypertension.
  • Prevention of cardiovascular complications associated with high blood pressure.
  • Reduction of arterial stiffness and protection of organs from hypertension-related damage.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Adults: The usual starting dose is 8 mg once daily, preferably after breakfast. The dosage can be adjusted up to 16 mg per day based on individual response and tolerability, as advised by a physician.
  • Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • Timing: Can be taken with or without food. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
  • Important: Do not discontinue the medication suddenly without consulting a doctor, even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms and abrupt cessation can worsen the condition.
  • Children: The use of AZOVAS 8 MG TABLET in children is not established.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, palpitations, ankle swelling (edema), flushing, constipation, itching, drowsiness, stomach discomfort/abdominal pains, diarrhea, frequent urination, fatigue, and nausea.
  • Serious Side Effects (rare): Liver problems (yellowing of skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite), pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting), recurrent chest pain (which may indicate a heart attack), irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and severe dizziness. Other serious effects can include cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, hypotension, bradycardia, cerebral hemorrhage, and prolonged electrocardiogram. If any serious or persistent side effects occur, consult your doctor immediately.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: AZOVAS 8 MG TABLET is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may harm fetal development and is not recommended during breastfeeding as it can affect lactation. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Liver and Kidney Conditions: Use with caution in patients with serious liver or kidney dysfunction; dose adjustments and close monitoring may be necessary.
  • Dizziness: This medicine may cause dizziness, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming excessive alcohol, as it can further lower blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness or fainting.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine as it can increase the blood concentration of Azelnidipine and enhance its hypotensive effect.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal supplements) you are taking, especially other antihypertensive agents, antifungal medicines (e.g., itraconazole, miconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), anti-seizure medicines (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), and Digoxin, as interactions can occur.

• Storage:

  • Store below 25 °C.
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

What is Azovas 8 MG Tablet used for?

Azovas 8 MG Tablet is primarily used to manage high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, in adults. It helps reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related complications by controlling blood pressure. This medication is effective in managing essential hypertension, reducing arterial stiffness, and protecting organs from damage caused by high blood pressure.

How does Azovas 8 MG Tablet work?

Azovas 8 MG Tablet contains azelnidipine, which belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs). It works by blocking calcium channels in the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels, preventing calcium from entering these cells. This action causes the blood vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation), reducing resistance to blood flow and making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This ultimately helps to lower blood pressure. Azelnidipine has a slow and sustained antihypertensive effect and has shown little effect on heart rate.

What is the usual dosage of Azovas 8 MG Tablet?

The typical adult dosage for Azovas is usually 8 mg administered orally once daily, ideally after breakfast. Your doctor may adjust the dose, potentially increasing it to 16 mg per day if necessary. It is important to swallow the tablet whole with water and not to crush, chew, or break it. Consistency is key, so take it at the same time each day to maintain stable levels in your body. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Azovas 8 MG Tablet?

Common side effects of Azovas 8 MG Tablet may include headache, dizziness, palpitations, ankle swelling (edema), flushing, and constipation. Other reported side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, itching, diarrhea, and frequent urination. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Less common but more severe side effects could include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness, which require immediate medical attention.

Is Azovas 8 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Azovas 8 MG Tablet is contraindicated (not recommended) during pregnancy as it may harm fetal development. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or suspect you might be pregnant. The medicine is also not recommended during breastfeeding because the active ingredient, azelnidipine, may pass into breast milk and could affect the baby. Always consult your doctor for advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Azovas 8 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Azovas 8 MG Tablet can interact with certain other medications. For example, antifungal medicines like ketoconazole and itraconazole, and HIV medicines like ritonavir and lopinavir, can increase azelnidipine levels, potentially leading to low blood pressure and dizziness. Anti-seizure medicines such as carbamazepine and phenytoin may reduce the effectiveness of Azovas. Other antihypertensive agents may cause excessive hypotension. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal preparations you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be observed while taking Azovas 8 MG Tablet:

• Liver and Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment, as dose adjustments may be needed and there's an increased risk of side effects.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake as it may increase the blood pressure-lowering effect, potentially causing dizziness or fainting.
• Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can increase azelnidipine levels and the risk of side effects.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Azovas may cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Sudden Blood Pressure Drop: A sudden drop in blood pressure can occur, especially when starting the medication. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce dizziness.
• Never stop abruptly: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to a rapid rise in blood pressure.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Azovas 8 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should Azovas 8 MG Tablet be stored?

Azovas 8 MG Tablet should be stored below 25°C. It is important to protect the tablets from light and moisture and to keep them out of the sight and reach of children.